Pasay lifts barangay from list of critical zones

Pasay City removed one barangay from its original list of 17 critical zones after no coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases were reported there over the past several days.

According to Mayor Emi Calixto Rubiano, the strict enforcement of health and safety protocols, including stringent contact tracing and monitoring by the City Epidemiology Disease Surveillance Unit, resulted in the removal of Barangay 144 from the list of high-risk villages.

Rubiano said Barangay 144 reported a total of 47 cases in the past, and on July 26, the city health office reported that those individuals had recovered and no new cases have been recorded.

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“This is impressive. Having 47 cases in the past with no further infections is no ordinary feat, especially at a time when the number of people afflicted with the disease is growing,” Rubiano said.

“Let’s replicate this feat to other villages so that we can bring down the number of COVID cases, not only in the city but in the entire metropolis as well,“ the mayor added.

Barangay 144 Chairman Nelson Padilla said they placed all their COVID patients under quarantine and conducted regular contact tracing among his constituents.

“We only allowed people to go out to buy essential goods. Other than that, we didn’t allow anybody to leave their homes, “ Padilla added.

Despite the development, Rubiano still reminded Pasayeños to follow health and safety guidelines. “Let’s not forget to wear face masks and observe physical distancing.”

Barangay 144 had been included among 11 barangays that were tagged as critical zones from July 8 to July 22, and extended up to August 5 due to the continued high number of COVID-19 cases in those areas.